Information from a Saturday incident in which police stated a man was accidentally shot by his child in the Walmart parking lot has been turned over to the prosecuting attorney.

Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney David Gibbons said the report has not yet been reviewed by his office. The typical process when reports are submitted to his office is for either himself or a deputy prosecutor to review the file and determine if there is enough facts to decide whether charges should be filed.

If there is not enough information, the file is returned to law enforcement to gather additional facts, or a conference between law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office is set up. Once facts are gathered, a determination on what or if charges should be filed is made.

Gibbons said the process can be relatively short or long, depending on the facts of each individual case.

RPD Public Information Officer Drew Latch stated police responded to the 2409 E. Main St. (Walmart) at approximately 11:04 a.m. Saturday in reference to a possible shooting. Upon arrival, officers witnessed a man who had injuries to his back. After further investigation, it was determined the man had accidentally been shot by his child.

While attempting to enter the vehicle, the child — whom Latch said was less than 10 years of age and being helped into the vehicle by an older child — accidentally grabbed hold of a loaded shotgun that had not been secured to pull himself into the vehicle (truck).

While grabbing the shotgun, the child accidentally pulled the trigger and caused the shotgun to discharge and strike the man, identified as Monty Wheeler, in the back.

No one else was injured, including the child, police stated.

Latch said the investigative file has been turned over to Gibbons’ office, which will determine if charges would be filed. Possible charges that may be considered would be felony endangering the welfare of a minor, Latch said.

Wheeler was transported to Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center by Pope County EMS. His condition was stable at the time of the release.